Page 278 - Design for Six Sigma for Service (Six SIGMA Operational Methods)

Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) 247

It should be noted that the 40 principles are formulated in a general way. If, for
example, the contradiction table recommends principle 30, flexible shell and
thin films, it means that the solution of the problem relates somehow to changing
the degree of flexibility or adaptability of the technical system being modified.

The contradiction table and the 40 principles do not offer the direct solution
to the problem; they only suggest the most promising directions for searching
for a solution. The problem solver has to interpret these suggestions and find
the way in which they can be applied to a particular situation.

Usually people solve problems by analogical thinking. We try to relate the
problem confronting us to some familiar standard class of problems
(analogs) for which a solution exists. If we draw upon the right analog, we
arrive at a useful solution. Our knowledge of analogous problems is the
result of educational, professional, and life experiences.

What if we encounter a problem analogous to one we have never faced?
This obvious question reveals the shortcomings of our standard approach to
invention problems. So, the contradiction table and 40 principles offer us
clues to the solution of problems with which we are not familiar.

When using the contradiction table and 40 principles, following this simple
procedure will be helpful:
1. Decide the attribute to be improved, and use one of the 39 parameters
in the contradiction table to standardize or model this attribute.
2. Answer the following questions:
a. How can this attribute be improved using conventional means?
b. Which attribute would be deteriorated, if conventional means were
used?
3. Select an attribute in the contradiction table corresponding to step 2b.
4. Using the contradiction table, identify the principles in the intersection
of the row (attribute improved) and column (attribute deteriorated) for
overcoming the technical contradiction.
Here we list the 40 principles as a reference.
1. Segmentation
• Divide an object into independent parts.
• Make an object easy to disassemble.
• Increase the degree of fragmentation (or segmentation) of an object.
2. Taking out
• Separate an interfering part (or property) from an object, or single
out the only necessary part (or property) of an object.